It's not everyday that a new football coach inherits a program coming off a surprising and successful season. But that's exactly what Wright is getting at Berne Union.

Wright, 33, was named the Rockets' newest coach at Friday's board of education meeting. He replaces Gary Cox, who retired after leading Berne Union to a 6-4 record in the regular season and berth in the Division VI playoffs.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for a first-time head coach," Wright said.

"To get a chance to coach a team that made the playoffs and gave the eventual state champion everything it could handle is just great."

Berne Union dropped a 21-18 loss to Newark Catholic in the first round of 2007's playoffs. It was the Rockets' first postseason appearance in 13 years.

"I told him in the interview process that we had a taste of the playoffs last fall, and we liked the taste," Berne Union principal Bob Starr said. "We were looking for somebody that had playoff experience, which he does."

Wright has spent the past four years as an assistant coach at Dresden Tri-Valley.

Tasked with coaching running backs in the Scotties' spread look, Wright helped put together an offense that averaged 39 points per game in 2007 and finished the regular season 9-1. Tri-Valley beat Logan in a regional quarterfinal before losing 22-13 to eventual state runner-up Louisville.

The Scotties won their first Muskingum Valley League title since 1989 this past season.

"Our running game was split fairly evenly between the tailback and quarterback," he said.

"We had some really good athletes last year. What I'd like to do at Berne Union is something similar. But at the same time, you've got to be flexible with what you've got."

Wright will have plenty of young talent with which to work.

The fact the Rockets have tasted the postseason could go a long way in easing the transition associated with a new coach.

"Hopefully the kids understand what it takes to get there and say 'I'd like to build on that,' " Wright said.

"At the same time, I know there's going to be expectations, and I look forward to meeting those."